Henderson finds a replacement after De Boinville was told by the doctor that he was not allowed to race
TOP jockey Nico de Boinville has been warned by a doctor not to race at Cheltenham this weekend after returning from a broken collarbone.
And trainer Nicky Henderson has been forced to bring in red-hot replacement James Bowen for the big ride at Jonbon.
De Boinville broke his collarbone at Doncaster last month – and it had not yet fully recovered when he raced at Chepstow earlier this week.
The jockey's agent, Sam Stronge, said he does not yet have a timetable for the multiple Grade 1-winning jockey's return.
Although it is highly unlikely this will impact his strong ride book at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Stronge said: “We're taking it day by day to see how he's doing and when he's ready to come back.
“We tried to get back as quickly as possible, but it was a busy week and maybe this time it was just too soon.”
De Boinville's big ride on Saturday was to be JP McManus' champion Chase Hope Jonbon in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase.
The full brother of Douvan, who cost £570,000, is 1-3 to win the £60,000 first prize.
Henderson had already lost Jonbon's original jockey Aidan Coleman as he continued his recovery from a broken knee.
Most read in Horse Racing
With De Boinville and Coleman out, Bowen, brother of newly elected champion Sean, has filled the void.
It will be the Welsh jockey's first time aboard Jonbon, one of the best British chances against the Irish at the festival.
Bowen said: “I feel really lucky to be riding with him and I can't wait to get the job done.
“I think it gives you confidence when the owner and trainer are willing to put you on a horse like Jonbon.
“He was good in the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park but he was so impressive on his first day back in the Schloer Chase. I think Cheltenham is a good track for him.”
And Hendo backed his No.2 to deliver the goods, saying: 'There was never any doubt about James.
“We're going to miss Nico, but funnily enough some horses suit different jockeys.”
Bowen, who left school at 14 and had won more than £1million by the time he was 19, is booked for six rides on Saturday.
He will also gain an edge over second favorite Triumph Hurdle, Sir Gino, in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial against ante-post favorite Burdett Road.
FREE BETTS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACE OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers from this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18 years or older+. General terms and conditions apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and money limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Does not gamble when upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble consciously – www.begambleaware.org